NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"THE HURTING" 1983 THE HURTING - The duo's debut album opens with a typical 80s New Wave track, sometimes sombre and mysterious with a little Progressive Rock undertones.  Nice arrangements and attention grabbing on first listen. MAD WORLD - An 80s classic in my opinion, the unmistakeable clanking percussion and the eerie vocals.  The third single from the album reaching number 3 on the UK chart.  A very mature Synth Pop/New Wave fusion with a simple but memorable chorus.   PALE SHELTER - The second single from the album and Tears For Fears' first top 10 hit reaching number 5 in the UK chart but only after a re-working and re-release.  One of my favourite tracks of the 80s and by the band.  It is a New Wave track with light, melancholic verses and a big chorus.  The harmonies and vocals are great on this.     IDEAS AS OPIATES - An atmospheric minimalist track with vocals set in the background of the music.  Medieval-like and choral at times but not a major track

"NIGHT LIFE" 2017 NIGHT LIFE -  This opening track reminds me of Heaven 17 with a hint of Kraftwerk's electronic vocal backing on the chorus.  Bright and breezy with a great vocal, a pumping electronic beat and catchy chorus.  Sets you up nicely for the nostalgic glimpse into your 80s past that is to come.     HAVEN'T I TRIED - Starts with a person walking and whistling before the footsteps change into a throbbing electrobeat, synths and handclap sounds.  The verses are clearly Erasure-like but the chorus somehow changes into Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys! Great song, the chorus is sing-a-long catchy and the vocals and composition are perfect Electro Pop. WHEN YOU FALL - A powerful and emotive Electro Rock ballad with an eerie atmospheric style.  As a big fan of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet it reminds me a little of their very early albums.  The chorus is akin to David Sylvian of Japan, with that low, almost monotone dark vocal

"HUMAN RACING" 1984 DANCING GIRLS - The debut album by incredibly talented singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw opens with this fast paced Synth Pop track.  The clever orchestrated synths and whirrs over the chorus fill the sound out.  Nik was always inventive and that what set him apart from other Electronic acts of the 80s.  This single reached number 13 in the chart.  Its catchy Pop at its best. WOULDN'T IT BE GOOD - The memorable opening guitar riff kicks off this classic 80s song and when the melody hits in, its just perfect.  Add a catchy chorus and stunning video and this made Nik a star.  Reaching number 4 in the UK chart it paved the way for continued success throughout the mid 80s.  Brilliant song.   DRUM TALK - A really unusual track, based solely on synthesised drums and special effect but its infectious tempo keeps it engaging.  The lyrics are very simple but the overdubbed chanted and effects laden vocals make it a very clever song and I loved singing along to t

"JOURNEYS TO GLORY" 1981 TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT - The opening track and debut single was the epitomy of the New Romantic Pop phenomenon that took over the first couple of years in the 80s.  The Synth New Wave sound, medieval like percussion and Tony Hadley's big booming vocal are just fantastic. REFORMATION - An almost repetitive, rhyming lyric over a typically 80s Electronic Synth Pop backing.  Again there is a dark, almost eerie medieval sound running through the track.  Catchy in a strange way, but great track. MANDOLIN - A little more anthemic and bigger sound to the previous tracks and with a funky bassline that hits the mark.  A mix of Ultravox pomp and Soft Cell vocals.  Not a single but I love this track. MUSCLEBOUND - A New Wave track, a slow tempo backing track with Tony giving it his all to lifet it to new heights, then the annoyingly catchy chanted chorus kicks in and you can't help but sing along. AGE OF BLOWS - The equivale

 "HUNTING HIGH AND LOW" 1985 TAKE ON ME - The band's debut album opens with the classic 80s track and unmistakeable Synth Pop intro.  Loved this song instantly on first listen and was then hooked on A-ha and Morten Harket's incredible vocal range.  The track finally charted after a couple of attempts and reached number 2 in the UK charts.  Its accompanying video was groundbreaking using animated and live action scenes sequenced together.  A masterpiece. TRAIN OF THOUGHT - The third UK single release and reached number 8 in the chart and was their third successive top ten hit.  This has a typical Synth Pop fast paced drumbeat with a surprisingly slow tempo vocal by Morten, showing off his complete range in the song.  It grows on you after a couple of listens. HUNTING HIGH AND LOW - A beautiful slow minimal ballad reaching an anthemic, operatic crescendo to finish.  Great emotionally charged vocals and a captivating backing. THE BLUE SKY - At just over two and a half